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The UN-System Working Together for the Environment

The UN System-Wide Framework
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UN System-Wide Framework of Strategies on the Environment

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Environmental challenges are interconnected and require expertise and action across the United Nations system. The United Nations System-Wide Framework of Strategies on the Environment (SWFS) helps UN organizations work together more coherently, identify opportunities for joint action and make better use of their complementary mandates and expertise.

Developed by the Environment Management Group (EMG), the framework responds to calls for stronger environmental coordination at Rio+20 in 2012 and through UN Environment Assembly resolution 1/11 in 2014. It was endorsed by EMG Senior Officials in March 2016 and launched at UNEA-2 in May 2016.

The SWFS provides a common umbrella for UN system-wide cooperation on the environment, while respecting the mandates and strategies of individual UN organizations. 

SWFS
UNEA Resolution 1/11
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SWFS reports

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The first SWFS synthesis report, published in 2017, mapped how UN entities were supporting the environmental dimension of the Sustainable Development Goals. It highlighted existing partnerships, good practices and opportunities for stronger collaboration across the UN system.

The second report was prepared in 2020 as a thematic report on the UN system’s contribution to the biodiversity agenda.

The 2024 SWFS update, prepared for UNEA-6, looked at how UN system-wide environmental cooperation had developed since the first synthesis report. It highlighted a shift towards more practical forms of collaboration, including coalitions and common approaches that provide shared objectives and frameworks for collective action at global, regional and country level. 

The 2025 SWFS update, prepared for UNEA-7, showed further progress in turning system-wide coordination into joint action. It highlighted cooperation on biodiversity, pollution, human rights and the environment, internal sustainability, and emerging areas such as urbanization and gender and the environment. It also highlighted efforts to bring global environmental priorities closer to country-level UN programming, including through Common Country Analyses and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks.

2017 Synthesis Report
2024 SWFS Update – UNEA-6
2025 SWFS Update – UNEA-7
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System-wide strategies and common approaches

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A growing number of system-wide strategies and common approaches help different parts of the UN work towards shared environmental objectives.

Examples developed and/or operationalized through the EMG include:

UN Common Approach to Biodiversity
A system-wide framework for integrating biodiversity and nature-based solutions into UN policy, programme planning and delivery and supporting implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

UN Common Approach to Pollution
A shared framework for strengthening coordinated UN-action towards a pollution-free planet, covering air, water, soil, marine and coastal pollution and the sound management of chemicals and waste.

UN Sustainability Strategy 2020–2030
A two-part strategy aimed at strengthening environmental and social sustainability across UN management, operations, programmes and partnerships.

Common Approach to the Human Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment – under development
Work is under way through the EMG Issue Management Group on Human Rights and the Environment to develop a common approach supporting more coherent UN system implementation of the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

UN Common Approach to Biodiversity
UN Common Approach to Pollution
UN Sustainability Strategy
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The UN System-Wide Framework